Mary Ann Polacek

Polacek , Mary Ann Mary Ann was brought into this world as one of 5000 deliveries by her grandfather, Dr. James W. MacGregor, 7/16/1958, Portage, WI. She was born to Eternal Life on February 18, 2017. Beloved daughter of Dr. Michael Polacek and the late Jenny (Nee MacGregor). Loving sister of Susan Polacek. Further survived by her Uncle Jim MacGregor and cousins: Scott MacGregor, George and Joanne, Carrie, Christian, Eva Polacek, Bekki and Brooklynn Browning, the late Bill Sr. and Mary Ellen Polacek, Bill and Rebecca, Will and Claire Polacek, Tim and Tara Polacek, Katie and Madison Polacek. John and Holli Polacek, Jim and Jan Polacek. Special acknowledgments to family friend, Alice Whaley, for her aid and wisdom, and childhood friend, Mike Walbert. Mary Ann was a 1976 graduate of Wauwatosa East High School and a longtime Girl Scout. She continued her education at Smith College (B.S. Biology, Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and completed a unique, double Master's program at Yale University earning both MBA and Registered Nurse diplomas. Mary Ann worked at the FDA, the American Red Cross, and as Associate Dean-School of Health Sciences at Anne Arundel Community College. She also had periodic stints in private care, special needs and pediatric nursing. Mary Ann was a true Renaissance woman. Her musical tastes ran from Gregorian Chant to Country. She traveled the world; from photographing the Moai's of Easter Island at sunrise and Pompeii archeology sites for elder hostel; from Serengeti safaris to the Great Wall of China; from a sisterly, self-guided driving trip (on the left!) to the Cliffs of Moher and an absolute must pilgrimage to Jane Austin's house; from thermal spa indulgences in Iceland to a "Shaker Life and Antique" cruise. But fall family vacations in Door County were her favorite. Longtime resident of Virginia, Mary Ann took advantage of all the cultural, historic and continuing education opportunities afforded in the Washington DC area. She was proud of attaining a Georgetown University Professional Certification in Antiques and Historical Preservation. Mary Ann filled her cherished "Willard Hall" 1836 Federalist home with antiques, quilts and samplers, lining the driveway with blossoming cherry trees, and tinkering in the raised beds under the pear and ginkgo trees she planted, her rescued felines, Petie, Shenika and Matilida, at her side. After Mary Ann completed MacGregor and Polacek genealogies, she researched the lives of the young ladies who created the needlepoint samplers she collected and loaned for publication. In the end, she would OFTEN say "I love my family" and returned to Milwaukee three years ago to be with her 84 year old dad and sister. Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, February 24 from 4 to 7 PM. A 10 AM service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, February 25. Interment to follow at 4 PM at East Cemetery, Westfield, WI . (Boots suggested) In lieu of flowers, memorials to Old Indian Agency House appreciated. (1490 Agency House Rd, Portage, WI 53901)